Soviet Navy Visit Brings Ship Tours, Concerts

July 16, 1989|By A.J. PLUNKETT Staff Writer

NORFOLK — A visit of three Soviet ships and more than 1,100 Soviet sailors, musicians and news media this coming weekend will be more than a meeting of Navy minds. Public ship tours and joint musical concerts also will be offered.

The ships will arrive at Norfolk Naval Base at about 8:30 a.m. Friday after an exchange of salutes near Fort Monroe at 7:45 a.m. The arrival of the Soviet ships should be visible from both the Fort Monroe and Willoughby areas.

Both the Slava-class guided missile cruiser Marshal Ustinov and Sovremenny-class destroyer Otlichny will be open for public tour. The oiler Genrikh Gasanov will not be open.

Those who wish to tour the ships must first pick up a ticket at either of five Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce offices on the Southside. Tickets are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Each visitor must have a ticket to board a Soviet vessel. Tickets will serve as a pass to get on the base. Visitors may not carry packages on board, but cameras and handbags will be permitted.

Tours are scheduled for Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

A public performance of the model orchestra of the Soviet navy and the Northern Fleet song and dance is tenatively scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Lynnhaven Mall, and for 12:30 p.m. July 24 outside the Webb Student Center at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, according to the Navy.

Free performances of the combined U.S. Navy Atlantic Fleet Band and the Soviet performers are scheduled for Sunday at 7 p.m. at Virginia Beach's 21st Street Park and July 24 at 8 p.m at Norfolk Scope.